Tag Archives: boxing

Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
“My friend is about to become my enemy….
June 25 I’m doing my best to put you to sleep.” – Keith Thurman
 
“He thinks he’s going to knock me out, I say he’s not…I’m going to do everything it takes to beat him and make it look easy.” – Shawn Porter 
 
“This is the best that boxing has to offer.” – Lou DiBella

Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
NEW YORK (April 26, 2016) – Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman and former champion Shawn Porter went face-to-faceTuesday afternoon in Manhattan as they hosted a press conference to discuss their highly anticipated Saturday, June 25 showdown on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar defending his title against former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $42, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Thurman and Porter went eye-to-eye and talked about their eagerly awaited 147-pound world title clash that takes place in primetime on June 25.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:
KEITH THURMAN
“I made you wait. But it’s worth it. This is a tremendous fight. Arguably the best matchup of the year. We’re going to work our butts off to make it the Fight of the Year.
“Our two teams go way back. This is the most beautiful moment of my professional career and I’m about to compete with somebody I grew up with. I’m happy for my success and I’m happy for Shawn’s success. We come from the same boat. When you’re a young kid in the gym training and then you’re here today, that takes a special kind of person. Shawn and I are both that kind of person.
“We took six weeks off after my accident, with three days a week of physical therapy. I was relaxing at home. I didn’t like it. As a fighter, I wanted this fight as bad as the fans wanted this fight.
“This isn’t just the biggest fight of my career. But it’s the most anticipated fight of my career. Sometimes it pays to add some drama to the game. It wasn’t our intention, but I think it worked out.
“Barclays Center makes this a big fight. We get to promote here in New York City. New York is a fight town. My favorite fighter of all time, Mike Tyson, is from Brooklyn. This just happened to work out for the best.
“I anticipate most of the welterweight division being in attendance on June 25. The situation that division is in right now is that we’re all in a frenzy. Everyone wants the spotlight and everyone wants to be the top dog. We all have that opportunity.
“I want to have two titles by the end of this year. People talk about replacing Floyd Mayweather, but you can’t become the man without beating all the people in front of you. One fight at a time. I want to stay at the top by grabbing another belt. I’m going to show that I’m the big dog at 147 pounds.
June 25, my friend is about to become my enemy. I’m going to treat him like any other enemy.
“Get your tickets. Get your seats. Get your popcorn. Whatever you need to do. This is going to be a fight you don’t want to miss. This is going to be a knockout you don’t want to miss. I love you Shawn, but I’m doing my best to put you to sleep.”
SHAWN PORTER
“I’m very excited about this fight. I’m blessed to have this opportunity. Not only to go for this title but to be a part of a record-breaking show at Barclays Center. This night is going to be memorable.
“Keith Thurman is bringing out the competitiveness in me to a level I’ve always wanted. It’s a level I expect. I have a guy next to me who is challenging me more than ever. Me and Keith Thurman are going to put on a show. Everything you talked about, you’re going to get it.
“It is amazing to be a part of something great like this. I’ve always considered myself to be a very good fighter and a very good athlete, but I’ve always wanted something like this and to have it is very humbling.
“I wasn’t surprised that Keith said he would knock me out. He has to pump himself up and be confident. When he looked at me I think he was trying to convince me that he was being real and I was looking at him to find out if he was convinced. He thinks he’s going to knock me out, I say he’s not. I’m going to do everything it takes to beat him and make it look easy.
“This is forming to be a big fight, one of those fights that we’ve looked forward to since we were kids.
“This is my second time fighting at Barclays Center. I’m 1-0 with a championship so now I’m looking for another one. I’ve been to some of the other fights at Barclays too and it is really an electric atmosphere. People are coming out to see something great and that’s what I’m going to give them.
“I’m not changing anything in camp because of how familiar Keith and I are with each other. I have to do it at the right time in the ring. We’re going to do everything we do to prepare for a world championship fight.
“Thurman is a little unorthodox at times so we’re prepared for that. It’s about going 12 rounds or less and looking good doing it. We’ve done a little sparring as pros but nothing as competitive as I’m expecting on June 25.
“I have a feeling Keith is going to say he’s knocking me out a lot. I want to know if he believes that. He’s a cutthroat kind of fighter. I know that. The hands will be up, the defense will be taken care of, and we’re taking care of business.”
DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer
“We’re looking forward to this fight. Me, Keith and the Porters go way back, but sometimes you have to fight your friends.
“These two guys are both at the top of their games and the best man is going to win.”
KEN PORTER, Porter’s Father & Trainer
“Dan Birmingham is actually one of my mentors and I’ve been watching Keith since he was 14-years-old. We’re all friends but to have the opportunity on this stage, I don’t think we can have better competitors as fighter and trainer. I don’t think it can reach a higher level.
“I fully expect the immovable object versus the irresistible force meeting in the ring for an explosion on June 25.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This is the best that boxing has to offer.
“Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter could very well be the Fight of the Year. It’s a fan fight that everybody has anticipated for many years. These are the two most established welterweights in the world battling to see who the successor to Floyd Mayweather’s domination of the division is.
“This is so far the fastest-selling boxing event at Barclays Center and the biggest presale we’ve ever had for a fight at Barclays Center. This is one to start buying your tickets early.
“Aside from being two of the very best at their weight class, these are two of the more interesting guys in boxing. These are two of the smartest and most cerebral fighters.
“This is why I’m in boxing. This is why we’re all in boxing. This is on national, free, over-the-air television and I think it’s great. WE want as many people as possible to watch this fight. We want to expose people to the best our sport has to offer.
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“We’re in the midst of perhaps the strongest run of boxing this network has ever had. While other networks cut back on programming, we are reinvesting in the sport and giving it as big of a platform as there ever has been.
“We have the strongest lineup of any network this year. These are two of the strongest fighters in the most popular division in the sport.
“The last primetime boxing match on CBS was 1987, Ali-Spinks 1. Those are big shoes to fill. When I pitched a fight for CBS I knew I had to bring something that was incredibly strong. That is what we have on June 25. This card has come together as perfectly as anyone could have imagined.
“Two of the top five welterweights of their career battling for the top of the division. This is an event that speaks for itself. I’m proud to be involved with this event.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“It’s been a special time at Barclays Center the last couple of weeks. I think Barclays Center is defined by dramatic moments. When I think of this particular event, it’s going to be a dramatic moment in Brooklyn and I’m thrilled about it.
“I’m a huge boxing fan and this is one of those nights that you circle on the calendar. You need to be there. We’re off to the best pre-sale and on sale since we opened Barclays Center. We have a bit of a history already and this will be the biggest one yet.”
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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.

Unbeaten Super Welterweight Kanat Islam Battles Colombia’s Juan De Angel in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round On Bounce TV On Sunday, May 8 From Lakeland Events Center in Lakeland, Florida

 
Plus! Unbeaten Prospects Miguel Cruz & Samuel Figueroa Go Toe-To-Toe While Hard-Hitting Dennis Galarza Takes On Mexico’s Yardley Suarez
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
LAKELAND, FLA. (April 26, 2016) – Unbeaten super welterweight and Olympic Bronze medalist Kanat Islam (20-0, 17 KOs) will take on Colombian brawler Juan De Angel(18-3-1, 17 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV taking place Sunday, May 8 from Lakeland Events Center in Lakeland, Florida.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features a pair of exciting undercard battles as unbeaten prospects Miguel Cruz (12-0, 11 KOs) and Samuel Figueroa (10-0, 4 KOs) compete in an eight-round super welterweight showdown while featherweight prospect Dennis Galarza (12-1, 8 KOs) faces Mexico’s Yardley Suarez (15-3, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
“I am very happy about this fight and I’m training very hard for the opportunity,” said Islam. “I am ready to fight. He is a good opponent but I have everything I need to win. I’ve waited a long time for this chance and I’m going to put on a show. The people of Kazakhstan will get a great performance from me.”
“I’m looking to com win and win this fight” said De Angel. “I know my opponent is tough and I have trained very hard for this fight. I am going to give him his first loss and make a big statement. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I will take advantage of it.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by visitingwww.thelakelandcenter.com or by calling 888-397-0100 and from the Lakeland Center Box Office by calling 863-834-8111 or visiting between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“We are excited to bring this terrific show to Lakeland, Florida,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “The main event should be an explosive one as the two fighters have a combined 34 knockouts in their 38 wins. It will be an early night for someone. The fans in Lakeland and watching on Bounce TV will see some of the best future contenders in the world.”
A Chinese born boxer representing Kazakhstan, Islam now fights out of Pahokee, Florida and made his U.S. debut in Miami in November 2015 with a first round knockout of Jonathan Batista. The two-time Olympian won a Bronze medal in 2008 and eventually made his pro debut in 2012 with a knockout of Daniel Beato. The 31-year-old owns victories over Francisco Cordero, Fidel Monterrosa Munoz and Emilio Julio.
Fighting out of Baranquilla, Colombia De Angel will make his U.S. debut on May 8 in the main event. The 28-year-old has won his last nine fights including eight by way of stoppage. He’s won 16 of his last 17 fights overall and most notably picked up a regional middleweight belt with a victory over Jose Pinzon in 2014.
Born in Aguada, Puerto Rico and now residing in Lake Mary, Florida, the 25-year-old Cruz was a member of the Puerto Rico National Team as an amateur. He turned pro in 2012 and picked up five victories in 2015 as he ended fights with Virgil Green, Daniel Rodriguez, Eli Addison, Juan Rodriguez, Travis Hartman and Anthony Abbruzzese inside the distance.
A powerful Puerto Rican southpaw, Figueroa defeated fellow unbeaten Javontae Starks on Bounce TV in October 2015. The 25-year-old turned pro in 2011 and will have another opportunity to take down an undefeated opponent on May 8.
Galarza is looking for his fourth straight victory in the state of Florida when he enters the ring on May 8. The 23-year-old has fought professionally since 2013 and racked up five wins in 2015 before kicking off 2016 with a decision over Samuel Amoako in January.
A pro since 2013, the 21-year-old Suarez is coming off of a knockout victory over Charly Soto. The Sinaloa, Mexico-native will fight for the third time in the U.S. on May 8. Suarez picked up 11 victories between 2014 and 2015 including seven by knockout.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets.  Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.
For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

Rising Promotions back at The Claridge in Atlantic City on Friday, May 27th

  
Isiah Seldon battles Eddie Edmond in main event

 Chuck Mussachio rematches Willis Lockett plus undefeated Alvin Vermall; Quian Davis & former Olympian from Ecuador Luis Perozo

Nick Kisner battles Anthony Caputo Smith in Cruiserweight attracton

Anthony Burgin to appear in Lightweight bout

The pro debut of former United States amateur sensation LeRoy Davila

For Immediate Release
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 26, 2016)–On Friday night, May 27th, a big night of boxing will kick off a holiday weekend at The Claridge in Atlantic City as Rising Promotions will present a terrific card of boxing.
“We are excited to come back to the Claridge. Thanks to the whole staff at Rising Promotions and the AC Boxing Hall of Fame, we are able to do our third show in only 5 months and give local fighters the opportunity to showcase their talent,”said Debra LaManna of Rising Star Promotions.
In the main event, It will be about New Jersey bragging rights as Isiah Seldon will take on Eddie Edmond in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.
Seldon, 27 years-old of Atlantic City, New Jersey is a six-year professional and has a record of 8-1 with three knockouts and is coming his title-winning effort when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Michael Mitchell on March 19th at the Claridge.
Edmond of Newark, New Jersey has a record of 4-4-2 with one knockout is a eight year professional.  The 30 year-old has won two straight bouts which includes his last outing when won a four-round split decision over Edson Soto on August 15, 2015 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
In a six-round co-feature, one of the most popular fighter’s from the shore area, Light Heavyweight Chuck Mussachio will be back in the ring after a 39-month lay off when he takes on Willis Lockett in a rematch of a bout that that ended in a draw on September 19, 2008.
Mussachio of Wildwood, New Jersey has a record of 18-3-2 with five knockouts and will be looking to get back to winning ways that made him a contender with wins over former world champion Carl Daniels, Bobby Rooney (11-2-1) and Tony Ferrante (9-0).
The 36 year-old Mussachio is coming off a 2nd round stoppage defeat to Lionell Thompson on February 23, 2013 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Lockett of Takoma Park, Maryland has a record of 14-16-5 with five knockouts.
His record does not tell the story as Lockett has faced the “Whose-Who” of fighters between Super Middleweight and Heavyweight.
He has quality wins over Tyrone Tate (5-1), Calvin Riley (1-0), Willie Williams (6-1), former world title challenger Larry Marks, Joe McCreedy (10-2-1) & John Lennox (13-3). The winner of Lennox was part of Rising Promotions maiden card on December 5, 2015.
 Lockett has faced eight undefeated fighters.  Lockett will look to break a two-fight losing streak.  In his last bout, Lockett was disqualified against Jordan Shimmell (19-1) on February 27 in Washington, DC.
In an eight-round Cruiserweight bout, Nick Kisner (16-2-1, 6 KO’s) of Baltimore, MD will take on Anthony Caputo Smith (15-7, 10 KO’s) of Kennett Square, PA.
In a six-round Cruiserweight bout, Alvin Vermall Jr. (9-0-1, 8 KO’s) of LaPlace, Louisiana takes on an opponent to be named.
In a four round Welterweight bout, Adrian Wilson (0-2) of Atlantic City will take on pro debuting Quan Johnson of Pennsauken, New Jersey
Also scheduled to appear in four-round bouts:
Lightweight Anthony Burgin (9-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA;  HeavyweightQuian Davis (2-0-1, 1 KO’s) of Mays Landing, NJ;
Former Ecuadorian Olympian in Super Featherweight Luis Perozo (1-0, 1 KO) of New York, NY;
Perozo represented Ecuador in the 2008 Olympics as a 17 year-old.
Also on the card will be  the pro debut of Bantamweight Leroy Davila of New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Davila, who had over 60 amateur fights was ranked second in the United States in his weight class.

More bouts will be announced shortly.
Tickets are $125 for premium, $77 Ringside stage and $52 reserved and are available at www.risingboxingpromotions.com or 609-487-4444
Facebook.com/risingstarboxing
Instagram: @risingpromo
  

   

FEATURED FIGHTS, ALL PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED FOR SALITA PROMOTIONS’ LATEST DETROIT BRAWL AT MASONIC TEMPLE DOWNTOWN

Detroit, MI (April 26, 2016) – The featured fights and undercard fighters have been announced for Salita Promotions’ latest old-school night of boxing entitled “Detroit Brawl” onSaturday, May 14, at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit.
In the night’s six-round cruiserweight main event, Detroit’s Demetrius Banks (6-0, 4 KOs) will take on Bronx-based Puerto Rican cruiserweight Emilio Salas (5-1-1, 3 KOs) and in the six-round co-main event, undefeated bantamweight James Gordon Smith (9-0, 6 KOs) will face California via Mexico’s Pablo Cupul (8-19, 5 KOs).
Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are on sale now and are priced at $28, $38, $63, $93, $100 and $123. They are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000or by visiting the Masonic Temple box office.
Scheduled to appear on the undercard are a variety of up-and-coming prospects from Michigan and around the world, including Detroit’s super middleweight James Ballard (6-0, 3 KOs), super middleweight Darrell Van Horn (8-0, 5 KOs), East Pointe cruiserweight Clarence Dubose (2-0, 2 KOs), Lansing junior middleweight Antonio Urista (7-1, 2 KOs), Russian cruiserweight Alexey Zubov (10-1, 6 KOs), Brooklyn via Georgia super lightweight Giorgi Gelashvili (3-0, 2 KOs), Turkmenistan’s former Asian Games Amateur Champion, Serdar Hudayberdiyev (1-0, 1 KO) and comebacking Warren, Michigan, super lightweight Luigi Gjokaj (2-2, 2 KOs).
Ballard is scheduled for six rounds. All other fights will be four-rounders. Opponents will be announced shortly.
Promoter Dmitriy Salita says he’s happy to be able to offer a consistent boxing series to Detroit fans, allowing them to follow the progress of local fighters, as well as fighters from abroad.
“We are back with another Detroit Brawl and I’m very excited,” said Salita. “This series is a tremendous success and this one will be the best yet. We have another great assortment of local and international prospects, many of them facing each other in an iconic venue in Detroit. It’s going to be another old-school boxing show and I’m proud to be putting it on for the great fans of Detroit. It was my goal for this series to be about making Detroit the city where young fighters can progress in their careers in competitive match-ups.”
On fight night, doors open at 6:30 pm and the first fight is at 7:15 pm. The Masonic Temple is located at 500 Temple Street in Detroit. All bouts subject to change.
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Salita is also proud to announce that Detroit’s premier casino has once-again agreed to sponsor, along with some new local businesses including Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar and its proprietor, Erik Olson.
Your downtown playground, Greektown Casino Hotel is consistently voted Detroit’s Best Casino. Located right in the hub of the historic Greektown district it’s impossible to be any closer to the action. No matter what you want to play, Greektown Casino Hotel has your non-stop gaming action. From the newest slots and table games to live poker, Greektown Casino Hotel has 100,000 square feet of exciting, action-packed choices and so many thrilling ways to win!
Greektown Casino Hotel features a 30-story hotel with 400 stunning guestrooms and suites devoted to your comfort. And for your culinary needs, you can savor eclectic cuisine at one of their outstanding restaurants: Prism, Bistro 555 and The Market District.
For your special event or corporate gathering, Greektown Casino Hotel offers impeccable service in addition to a variety of exceptional spaces to help make your event an unforgettable experience.
Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar offers patrons an old-school sports and whiskey bar in Downtown Detroit’s Eastern Market district. Thomas Magee’s prides itself on providing every sport, every game, and every fight, plus great beer and whiskey!
For event information, visit themasonic.com and SalitaPromotions.com. On fight night, doors open at 6:30.
For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visitwww.salitapromotions.com. The Greektown Casino Hotel is located at 555 E Lafayette Street in Detroit. For more information, visit them online at greektowncasino.com. Twitter: @GreektownCasino.
Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar is located at 1408 E Fisher Service Drive in Detroit. For more information, call 313-263-4342 or visit their official Facebook page:www.facebook.com/ThomasMageesSportingHouseWhiskeyBar
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About

Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Andre Berto Training Camp Notes & Photos

 
This fight has always been on my mind….
I’m going to give everyone the fight they deserve.”
 
Click HERE For Training Camp Photos From Premier Boxing Champions
 
OAKLAND, CALIF. (April 25, 2016) – Former two-time world champion Andre “The Beast” Berto has wrapped up training camp and is set to travel to Southern California for his highly anticipated rematch against “Vicious” Victor Ortiz that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday, April 30 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53, and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.
Prior to the start of televised fights, an Official Fan Fest will be held for ticket holders outside of StubHub Center. The events start at 2:30 p.m. PT and features a Corona Beer Garden, food trucks, music from the band Metalachi and autograph signings with popular fighters including Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Shawn Porter and more.
Here is what Berto had to say from training camp:
On his improvements since his first fight against Ortiz:
 
“I’ve improved tremendously. Mentally and all the way around the board. There was so much that went into that fight and that camp the first time. I shouldn’t have fought that fight, but being who I am, I wanted to get in there. I was just a young fighter who didn’t take the fight seriously. I overlooked my opponent. Now I’m a much more mature fighter. I’ve pushed myself for this camp.
“This fight has always been on my mind. Even when I tried to move on, other people continued to remind me about it. Everyone said I needed to get him back. That’s the fight everyone has wanted to see and that everyone deserves. I’m going to give everyone the fight they deserve.
 
“I believe that coming back from my shoulder surgery that I’ve been more motivated and improving as a fighter. Everyone has seen the improvements. We’re definitely ready for anything he wants to bring. If he’s aggressive we’re ready and everyone knows I can stand there and punch”
 
On this training camp with Virgil Hunter:
“Everything is going great. It’s been a long, tough camp. I’m excited and ready to close it all in. We’ve done all the work. We’re in great shape. No stone was left unturned. It’s been a great eight or nine week camp.”
On sharing training camp with Amir Khan and Andre Ward and the motivation it provides:
 
“We all feed off of each other. All of us have pretty much been in camp together leading up to and through all of our fights. Even now Andre is there to watch us spar and work. It’s great motivation for all of us to be there. We’re all pushing each other to get better every day.”
 
On how Virgil Hunter has helped him improve as a fighter:
 
“I call Virgil the professional because he’s a teacher. He works you mentally. Each and every day. It’s like being in school. He drills it in your head over and over. He doesn’t let you go through the motions. You have to stay on track mentally to work on all of the things that you’ve been working on. He’s more of a teacher than a trainer.”
 
On what he learned from his fight against Floyd Mayweather:
 
“A lot of people can’t handle the atmosphere and the buildup of that magnitude. I got the chance to really find out how to handle it all. I think I surprised a lot of people around me with how easy I was taking it. I think Floyd was surprised too, he thought I would get shaken like other guys. But I felt like I was supposed to be there. I wasn’t going to be the guy who stands there in shock.”
On preparing for Ortiz:
 
“You have to be prepared for whatever he brings to the table. You don’t know how Victor is going to fight and if he’s going to do his extra stuff. Or if he’s going to try to box. Who knows? Maybe you hit him two or three times and he feels like he doesn’t want to be there. I’m prepared for the Victor of five years ago.”
 
On Ortiz’s claim that he will knock out Berto:
 
“That’s what he said the first time. I’ve made it evident as well that I’ll finish him and finish this chapter. I want it to be over. Still for some reason my name comes up. People continue to cross us together. I just want to finish this chapter and finish in style.”
 
On what fans can expect Saturday night:
 
“The fans should expect an exciting fight. They might see the start of round 13 from the first one. It’s going to be extremely exciting. I doubt it’s going the distance. This is the fight the people deserve.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr,@FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingwww.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Unbeaten Knockout Artist Jonathan Guzman Takes On Mexican Brawler Daniel Rosas in Title Eliminator Friday, April 29 On Premier Boxing Champions On Spike Live from the Taj Mahal Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City

 
Plus! Top Prospects Eddie Ramirez, Titus Williams & Local Favorites Featured On Loaded Undercard
 
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 25, 2016) – Undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Guzman(20-0, 20 KOs) will battle Mexico’s Daniel Rosas (20-2, 12 KOs) in a 12-round super bantamweight title eliminator in the opening bout of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike on Friday, April 29 from the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features the return of the Dirrell brothers as Andre “The Resurrected” Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) takes on Minnesota’s Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-2-2, 6 KOs) while Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (28-1-1, 22 KOs) battles Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-1-1, 6 KOs) in a pair of 10-round super middleweight bouts. Guzman and Rosas will fight for the number two contender spot for the world title currently held by Carl Frampton.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and are on sale now.
A trio of exciting prospects highlight the undercard action as unbeaten New York Golden Gloves champion Titus Williams takes on Indiana’s DeWayne Wisdom in a six-round featherweight bout, unbeaten 23-year-old Eddie Ramirez enters the ring in an eight-round super lightweight contest and Brooklyn’s Chordale Booker battles Virginia’s Rogue Zapata in a four-round super welterweight fight.
Addition bouts features New Jersey talent including welterweight Anthony Young of Atlantic City against Juan Rodriguez in a six-round battle, Little Egg Harbor’s Brendan Barrett in a four-round heavyweight bout against Alando Pugh, Toms River’s Hafiz Montgomery against fellow unbeaten Darnell Pierce in a four-round cruiserweight affair and Atlantic City’s Chris Thomas taking on Jessie Singletary in a four-round middleweight fight.
Rounding out the action is unbeaten heavyweight Luther Smith in a four-round battle withSolomon Maye, Antonio Magruder in a six-round super lightweight contest againstVictor Vasquez and the pro debut of Abraham Nova as he faces Weusi Johnson in a four-round super lightweight bout.
An unbeaten fighter out of the Dominican Republic and now training in Massachusetts, Guzman is nearing a world title fight thanks to his extreme power and ability to stop opponents. The 26-year-old has won all of his fight by knockout and since making his U.S. debut in 2014 he has stopped Ernesto Guerrero, Juan Guzman, Christian Esquivel and most recently Danny Aquino.
An experienced 26-year-old who has fought professionally since 2007, Rosas came up just short in his last title opportunity, when he dropped a decision to Alejandro Hernandez in 2014. Rosas has won his last three fights in a row since then and the Mexico City-native will look to make a splash in his U.S. debut on April 29.
 
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

NEW CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT NEF 22 IN LEWISTON

Lewiston, Maine (April 23, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, held its most recent event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  More than 3,000 fight fans were on hand for the event, making it one of the largest crowds ever to witness an NEF event.

 

On the boxing portion of the card, Brandon “The Cannon” Berry  (11-1-1) fought to a majority draw in a six-round contest with James Lester (10-9-1).  Many of Berry’s supporters in attendance felt that he won the fight, but two of the judges had it even on the scorecards.

 

The headliner of the amateur MMA card saw Caleb Hall (7-3) captured the vacant amateur featherweight title with a second-round submission of Erik Nelson (2-3).  On the professional side of the MMA card, Devin Powell (6-1) took home the lightweight championship by defeating Jesse Erickson (6-5) in the first round via technical knockout.

 

The full results from Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL BOXING

 

Brandon Berry fought James Lester to a majority draw

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

Devin Powell def. Jesse Erickson via TKO, round 1 (Powell wins lightweight title)

Mike Hansen def. Jesse Baughman via arm triangle, round 1

Josh Harvey def. Matt Denning via triangle choke, round 1

Tollison Lewis def. Zenon Herrera via armbar, round 1

Aaron Lacey def. Derek Shorey via D’Arce Choke, round 1

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

Glenn Kasabian def. Matt Marshall via TKO, round 1

Tom Burgess def. Alex Payson via KO, round 2

Ryan Daley def. Jake Denham via TKO, round 2

Bryce Bamford def. Joe Krech via TKO, round 1

Caleb Hall def. Erik Nelson via D’arce Choke, round 2 (Hall wins featherweight title)

Nick Gulliver def. Dave Smith via TKO, round 1

Cory Trial def. Angelo Rizzitello via split decision

Ras Hylton def. Matt Glover via KO, round 2

Angela Young def. Hannah Sparrell via unanimous decision

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 23: CAGE THE CAPE,” takes place Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  Tickets are on sale now atwww.NewEnglandFights.com.

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: THE PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

2012 U.S. Olympian & 154-Pound Contender Terrell Gausha Takes On Mexico’s Orlando Lora in Exciting Undercard Battle

 
Plus! Unbeaten Heavyweight Gerald Washington Takes On
Former Title Challenger Eddie Chambers
&
Undefeated Light Heavyweight David Benavidez Faces
Hard-Hitting Phillip Jackson
 
Saturday, April 30 From StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
 
CARSON, CALIF. (April 22, 2016) – Rising contender and 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (17-0, 8 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Orlando Lora (30-6-2, 19 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight affair that highlights undercard action at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 30.
In addition, heavyweight contenders Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (16-0-1, 11 KOs) and “Fast” Eddie Chambers (42-4, 23 KOs) will meet in a 10-round bout while unbeaten  rising knockout artist David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez (13-0, 12 KOs) battles hard-hitting Phillip Jackson (16-2, 15 KOs) in eight-rounds of light heavyweight action.
The April 30 event features a PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes tripleheader headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight rematch between “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre “The Beast” Berto. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a featherweight showdown between unbeaten Jorge Lara and former multiple division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel followed by a contest between hard-hitting light heavyweights Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr.
Further undercard action features Los Angeles-native Manny Robles Jr. (9-0, 4 KOs) in a featherweight battle against Mexico’s Eduardo Rafael Reyes (6-6, 5 KOs), 26-year-old brother of Abner, Adan “Speedy” Mares (14-1-2, 3 KOs) taking on Phoenix’s Jesus Aguinaga (4-3) in a six-round lightweight bout and Mexico’s Luis Bello (6-4, 2 KOs) against in a six-round super lightweight contest.
Rounding out the action is Los Angeles native Anthony Flores (10-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round welterweight scrap and 28-year-old Dardan Zenunaj (11-1, 9 KOs) of Kosovo in a six-round lightweight affair.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53, and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.
Prior to the start of televised fights, an Official Fan Fest will be held for ticket holders outside of StubHub Center. The events start at 2:30 p.m. PT and features a Corona Beer Garden, food trucks, music from the band Metalachi and autograph signings with popular fighters such as Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Shawn Porter and more.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Gaushawas a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he earned victories over Norberto Gonzalez, Luis Grajeda, Eliezer Gonzalez and Said El Harrak. He will be challenged by the Mexican veteran Lora out of Sinaloa.
A two-way player (tight end and defensive end) at the University of Southern California, Washington spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills practice squads on his unconventional path that led him to boxing. The 33-year-old also worked in the Navy as a helicopter mechanic before going to USC and did not get his start in professional boxing until 2012. Fighting out of Vallejo, California, he is yet to lose in his latest endeavor after fighting to a draw with Amir Mansour in October and defeating Jason Gavern in March last year.
Representing the outstanding fight city of Philadelphia, Chambers enters this fight on a six-bout winning streak including stoppages in his lat two fights of Dorian Darch and Galen Brown.  The veteran heavyweight challenged Wladimir Klitschko in 2010 for the heavyweight world title and owns victories over Derric Rossy, Dominick Guinn, Calvin Brock and Alexander Dimitrenko over his long career.
The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David has racked up a perfect 13 wins in 13 starts at just 19-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and kicked off his 2016 with a knockout of Kevin Cobbs in January. He returns to take on the New York City product Jackson, who enters this fight the winner of 13 of his last 14 contests.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andfoxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto,@LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Weimer makes its a perfect 10 with win over Figueroa

Tony Jeter, Steve Weimer and Team Weimer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

York, Penn. (April 22, 2016) – Back on April 9, Steve Weimer came back from a 39-month layoff with a four round unanimous decision over 73-fight veteran, Joseph Figueroa in Springfield, Virginia.

With the win, Weimer raised his perfect mark to 10-0 and the middleweight prospect from York, Pennsylvania is primed and ready to keep the momentum going.
“He was a tough guy, but I boxed him,” Weimer said of Figueroa.  “I used my length and range to set up the right hand to score a knockdown in the first round.  After the layoff, it was good to shake the rust off.”
“I kept my composure and fought my fight.  I did exactly what I wanted to do.  It was the perfect comeback fight.
There won’t be anymore long layoffs for Weimer as he is already preparing for his next outing, which is scheduled to take place on June 4th in Springfield.
“I am already back in the gym for June 4th.  There are a few guys they are talking to and I am just preparing for whoever takes the fight.”
The fight was also a new beginning for Weimer as it was his first bout under the promotional banner of Jeter Promotions.
“Being my first fight under Jeter Promotions, it went really well.  Tony Jeter is a smart guy and a good promoter.  He focuses on me and I know he will get me the fights that I need to get me to where I need to be,” said the 26 year-old Weimer.
Said Jeter Promotions CEO, Tony Jeter, “Steve wants to fight anybody.  He has the confidence to go along with his talent.  I know if we bring him along the right way, he can do big things.  The sky is the limit for him.  He has all the intangibles that a promoter looks for that go along with his ability.  He is every marketable and he can fight and I am just so excited to what the future has in store for Steve.”